TOOWOOMBA started the match strongly against Easts at Langlands Park before fading to a 42-24 loss in the ABC Television clash. Young Kiwi centre Jason Tiatia, trialling for a contract with the Broncos, made a break before linking with winger Nathan Stains to score the Clydesdales first try. Matt Lockyer found winger Steve Beattie with a good pass and then only minutes later Lockyer again put Beattie over for his second try and the Tigers led 10 ? 6. Easts hooker Mike Hobbs crossed under the posts to extend the margin before centre Ashley Alberts snared an intercept and raced 80 metres to score for the Clydesdales and the scores were 16 ? 12 at half-time. Only minutes after the break Lockyer scored to increase the lead but halfback Isaac Kaufmann crossed for Toowoomba to keep the Clydesdales in reach of a win and also their finals aspirations alive. The Tigers however had other ideas and they raced in a further four tries, winger Justin Loomans collecting a double, to record a convincing win. Easts second rower Mark Leafa, a former Sydney Roosters player, was named QRL man of the Match after a powerhouse performance.

THE Rugby League Players Association on Tuesday withdrew its objection to the NRL's new contract as Brisbane five-eighth Ben Ikin revealed players may one day allow officials access to their bank accounts.

DES Hasler will take over as Manly coach when Peter Sharp steps down at the end of the season.
Hasler, who played 12 times for Australia, is currently Sharp's assistant at the National Rugby League club.

MITSUBISHI Electric Bulldogs coach, Steve Folkes has named the injured pair of Adam Perry and Brent Sherwin in his team list for the Bulldogs clash with the Melbourne Storm this Sunday at the Sydney Showground.

IF the NRL are fair dinkum about giving the fans the best quality rugby league, then they must immediately look to another free to air carrier next year and beyond after the latest snubbing of the Canberra Raiders.

R2K'S Lachlan McLean recently caught up with Robert Stone (Executive Officer - St.George DRLFC) who outlined what the future holds for OKI Jubilee Stadium and his thoughts on the successful return of the Dragons to the venue in 2003.